New to all-grain. Is Blichmann best?

[Pie_Man]

Personally, I'd pass on the chiller in that picture. With the hose connections as they are set, it's a high risk for leaking into the wort being chilled. NOT a good thing by any stretch. Most, decent, IC's are made so that the water connections are outside the kettle, so that if/when they leak it drips onto the ground, not into the wort.

Agreed, that wort chiller is crap, it's worth whatever scrap yards pay for copper. I can't believe the seller is asking $50 for it, that's absurd.

I'll go back to my earlier comment, I really think you need some input from your husband on the equipment selection process if you intend to get him more than just the pot. There's simply too many choices and as the brewer he needs to make those choices.

If you get the Blichmann pot, that's cool, it's a very nice pot that will serve him well his entire brewing career (assuming he brews 5 gallon batches). That's an awesome gift in my opinion.

 

[Golddiggie]

Also no evidence of a false bottom in those pictures (with the IC shown)...

 

[rickert76]

Ok, I am going with the Blichmann. He can always resell if he doesn't want it.

Looks like I should go with the immersion chiller for the ease of use and set up for a beginner..but not the one in the pictures. Is 25' sufficient for 5 gal batches? 3/8" copper or 1/2"?

And I will try to convert the round cooler he has into a mash tun or at least buy the parts to let him do that himself.

Anything else neccessary to get started? Keep in mind that I know very little about this so I need it spelled out in laymans terms

 

[Golddiggie]

My first IC was made with a 20' coil of 3/8" OD soft copper (from Lowe's). I wouldn't get the 50' coil since it's thicker wall (pain in the ass to form). If you're buying one, a 25' of 3/8" OD copper should be enough. When he gets into brewing larger batches, he'll probably want to upgrade in order to reduce the time to chill.

 

[johngault007]

I know we all have our opinions, and they all have their merits. But as far as how the wort will be extracted from the mashtun (false bottom, manifold, screen), this is one that I would really leave for him to decide. You have proven well beyond a reasonable doubt that you are a cool lady and you support his hobby (mad props). There are very cheap and very expensive alternatives to any method, but that might be fun for both of you to work on after you deliver all the other awesome presents.

 

[Golddiggie]

BTW, we expect to have a picture of him using all this the first time. :rockin:

 

[rickert76]

BTW, we expect to have a picture of him using all this the first time. :rockin:

Definately!!

 

[Pie_Man]

Ok, I am going with the Blichmann. He can always resell if he doesn't want it.

Looks like I should go with the immersion chiller for the ease of use and set up for a beginner..but not the one in the pictures. Is 25' sufficient for 5 gal batches? 3/8" copper or 1/2"?

And I will try to convert the round cooler he has into a mash tun or at least buy the parts to let him do that himself.

Anything else neccessary to get started? Keep in mind that I know very little about this so I need it spelled out in laymans terms

I think you're making a good decision
You're a good wife (aka SWMBO).

You probably saw this thread, but here's how to convert the cooler you have (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/). Getting the correct stainless steel washers is the hardest part. Once I had the correct washers, I put this thing together in no time; it's not very difficult. It might make a good husband-wife DIY project if you decide to just get the parts.

Regarding the chiller, the IC is probably the best choice as it's the easiest and will certainly work well with the blichmann pot. As mentioned, it's very important that the hose connection are outside of the pot, so if there are any leaks, you don't end up with hose water in your wort. With the Blichmann pot, you'll want to make sure the IC is tall enough to allow that to happen.

 

[rickert76]

I think you're making a good decision
You're a good wife (aka SWMBO).

You probably saw this thread, but here's how to convert the cooler you have (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/cheap-easy-10-gallon-rubbermaid-mlt-conversion-23008/). Getting the correct stainless steel washers is the hardest part. Once I had the correct washers, I put this thing together in no time; it's not very difficult. It might make a good husband-wife DIY project if you decide to just get the parts.

Regarding the chiller, the IC is probably the best choice as it's the easiest and will certainly work well with the blichmann pot. As mentioned, it's very important that the hose connection are outside of the pot, so if there are any leaks, you don't end up with hose water in your wort. With the Blichmann pot, you'll want to make sure the IC is tall enough to allow that to happen.

I've looked at that Mash tun set up. Is this what you use? Have you had any trouble with your mesh supply line crushing under the pressure of the grains?

 

[dbrewski]

I've looked at that Mash tun set up. Is this what you use? Have you had any trouble with your mesh supply line crushing under the pressure of the grains?

I have used one of those, not for long but I did use it. Some people coil copper or stainless wire into a spring shape and put it inside the mesh braid to keep it from collapsing. I think that is the easiest thing to do. I use a copper manifold, again more DIY work, but it works great.

 

[Pie_Man]

I've looked at that Mash tun set up. Is this what you use? Have you had any trouble with your mesh supply line crushing under the pressure of the grains?

Yes, that is what I use. So far, the mesh has held up well and I didn't even bother reinforcing mine. I've been getting efficiency in the mid 70s, which is good, and no problems draining the wort. The ss plumbing supply line is inexpensive, so if for some reason, it breaks, or your husband want a different manifold design, it's reasonble to replace. I've seen people on this forum using that original build for several years with no issues.

 

[Doctor_Wily]

The Apple of brew pots. :cross:

you beat me to it! darn youuuuuuU!!!!!!!!!!

 

[metanoia]

you beat me to it! darn youuuuuuU!!!!!!!!!!

Haha, only a day late. I'll let ya get the next one.

 

[Golddiggie]

Haha, only a day late. I'll let ya get the next one.

But, IF it was true, then you would only be able to use certain malts, and hops with it. Using anything else would not work right, cause a kettle malfunction, or give unpredictable results. Plus the warranty coverage would be a joke and not cover anything that could actually break (for any reason). Plus, they would actually cost about 10x what they currently do, or 20x what you could get any other kettle for (with the same, or better features).

 

[sudbuster]

My husband has been brewing with extracts for 10 years and I want to get him a set up for all grain brewing for Christmas. I have read through many threads and it looks like there are lots of people for the 10 gal Blichmann pots and lots against. I have the opportunity to buy a used 10 gal blichmann for $250 and I'm wondering if it is worth the price or should I just get a less expensive SS pot? Keep in mind that I don't weld and do not know how to "build" one or even what is neccessary to have on a brew pot. I would appreciate any advice on this one. Thanks!

How could I have missed this post? Is your husband interested or influenced by brand names, you know, Tommy? Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren. Roundtree and York . If so, well, yeah, Blichmann will be a big deal for him. If not, then the best pots on the market now are Megapots. They cost less, are heavier weight, have a thick, triple ply bottom, and will outlast your husband threefold.
My 2c worth....

 

[Golddiggie]

How could I have missed this post? Is your husband interested or influenced by brand names, you know, Tommy? Kenneth Cole, Ralph Lauren. Roundtree and York . If so, well, yeah, Blichmann will be a big deal for him. If not, then the best pots on the market now are Megapots. They cost less, are heavier weight, have a thick, triple ply bottom, and will outlast your husband threefold.
My 2c worth....

But can you get the meglapot fitted the same as the Blichmann for $250, delivered?? Also the triply bottom thing has been seriously disputed elsewhere (it's actual benefit, or lack thereof).

IMO, Blichmann is more like the Snap-On for brewing hardware. Great tools, IF you can afford them.

 

[Pie_Man]

Yes, please show me where you can get a megapot for $250 delivered with the same features as this pot. Yes, Blichmann can be pricey, but they're also well engineered and made in the USA. Some serious Blichmann haters out there. In this case, the woman got a decent deal on a used one.

 

[Golddiggie]

Yes, please show me where you can get a megapot for $250 delivered with the same features as this pot. Yes, it's pricey, but they're also well engineered and made in the USA. Some serious Blichmann haters out there.

Yup... As much as I love my keggles (that I made) Blichmann makes a good product. IF you can find a good price on one. I actually sold my 10 gallon BoilerMaker this week. It simply didn't fit as well on my burner (a Blichmann too, go figure ) as the keggles do. I'm in the process of making a keggle HLT to use.

 

[Knightmare]

Blinchman is the best. But you pay for it. I own a megapot and love it! It boils off a little extra, but that can be adjusted in the calculations. For the quality and price they can't be beat! If my money was unlimited, I would go that route. But for the price there are better options IMO.

 

[Golddiggie]

IF I could roll back the clock and start over, I'd go direct to keggles once I went all grain. For me, making them isn't difficult (it's a bit of work, but with good tools it's not hard) and I actually like designing and building them.

 

[dbrewski]

IF I could roll back the clock and start over, I'd go direct to keggles once I went all grain. For me, making them isn't difficult (it's a bit of work, but with good tools it's not hard) and I actually like designing and building them.

I have two systems, one with keggles, my only beef with them is the weight and thermal mass. I do see why people go with 15g kettles instead. But you can't complain about the cost.

 

[Golddiggie]

They're only heavy when they're full.

 

[metanoia]

But, IF it was true, then you would only be able to use certain malts, and hops with it. Using anything else would not work right, cause a kettle malfunction, or give unpredictable results. Plus the warranty coverage would be a joke and not cover anything that could actually break (for any reason). Plus, they would actually cost about 10x what they currently do, or 20x what you could get any other kettle for (with the same, or better features).

Awww.

That's how I used to view Apple products... until I got a MacBook Pro. I initially insisted that it was only so that I could code programs for iOS and Macs, but I really quickly fell in love with how it simply just works. A lot less frustrations than with my Windows desktop (that I built) and a slick design to boot!

Still, despite how much I enjoy using it, I could do pretty much all the same things on my wife's $350 Toshiba laptop. So yeah, the Blichmann = Apple.

 

[Golddiggie]

Awww.

That's how I used to view Apple products... until I got a MacBook Pro. I initially insisted that it was only so that I could code programs for iOS and Macs, but I really quickly fell in love with how it simply just works. A lot less frustrations than with my Windows desktop (that I built) and a slick design to boot!

Still, despite how much I enjoy using it, I could do pretty much all the same things on my wife's $350 Toshiba laptop. So yeah, the Blichmann = Apple.

I supported Mac users for too many years to like the systems anymore. If I could ditch my iPod touch, in the truck, I would in a heartbeat. But my stereo head unit likes to stream Pandora through it better than my Droid Razr. At least for now it does. I'll probably see if I can get it to work as well (or close enough to not matter) and then ditch the ipod completely.

I got frustrated too many times by apple 'support' to give it any value. The apple mentality just pisses me off too. I had an issue with one of their servers, but they refused to believe it was a hardware issue. Didn't matter how much proof I sent them, it was never their sheet that stunk. I finally just took it offline and figured out a more stable solution.

I hold to the Blichmann:Snap-On correlation much more. At least both are highly useful to a wide range of people who don't need to figure new crap out with each update.

 

[johngault007]

I think the Boilermaker line and all the other Blichmann bling is so fun to look at in the store, and some of the products make tons of sense. But I'm still happy with my 15 gallon kettle with a ball valve assembly. It has everything I need and nothing I don't.

 

[rickert76]

Someone help me out please. I do not have the Blichmann yet but according to their website, the pot is 16.5" tall. So far most of the immersion wort chillers I have found run about 15" tall. Will these wort chillers work in the pot? It's my understanding that the top of the wort chiller needs to stick out of the pot. I'm confused. One more question, the guy selling the wort chiller for $50 also said he would throw in his Mash tun (homemade with a rect type cooler) and a yeast starter (a growler with an airlock on top). Is that a better deal? And since his wort chiller does not have the bend pointing out of the pot, could it be rebent to a shape that is more appropriate?

 

[chickypad]

Yes, the bend needs to clear the lip of the kettle.
Can you get pics of the mash tun? That might make it a much better deal if it has a nice valve and a braid or manifold installed and he will throw that in with the chiller all for the same price.

 

[johngault007]

This cooler was $20. The ball valve assembly and cpvc pipe and components cost roughly $20-30. So yes, it's a good deal if the cooler has been modified.

 

[LandoLincoln]

Someone help me out please. I do not have the Blichmann yet but according to their website, the pot is 16.5" tall. So far most of the immersion wort chillers I have found run about 15" tall. Will these wort chillers work in the pot? It's my understanding that the top of the wort chiller needs to stick out of the pot. I'm confused. One more question, the guy selling the wort chiller for $50 also said he would throw in his Mash tun (homemade with a rect type cooler) and a yeast starter (a growler with an airlock on top). Is that a better deal? And since his wort chiller does not have the bend pointing out of the pot, could it be rebent to a shape that is more appropriate?

Yes, that chiller would work. The chiller wouldn't have to reach all the way down to the bottom of the pot. It would interfere with the dip tube.

A chiller, mash tun and a growler for $50? Yeah, that's probably a good deal.

Copper is very bendable.

 

[rickert76]

Yes, the bend needs to clear the lip of the kettle.
Can you get pics of the mash tun? That might make it a much better deal if it has a nice valve and a braid or manifold installed and he will throw that in with the chiller all for the same price.

Here are a couple pics of the Mash tun. And here is a youtube video he made of him brewing beer. I don't know how old the video is so the equipment may not be in the same condition as in the video. [ame]http://youtu.be/J_ZsAIlIEIo[/ame]